Knee Pain Chiropractor Treatment Palm Coast

Chiropractors receive extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including those that affect the extremities such as the knee. This includes specific training in extremity adjusting techniques, which are used to improve joint function, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance overall mobility and function. Our doctors have also been trained in post-graduate courses to have thorough knowledge in multiple adjusting techniques.

During their chiropractic education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, Drs. Gimbert were trained in a variety of techniques for adjusting the extremities, including the knee. These techniques involve physically adjusting malpositioned joints, stretching and mobilization exercises, and palliative therapies. As appropriate, they also use specialized tools and equipment, including an adjusting instrument to assist with the knee adjustment. Our doctors have also been trained in post-graduate courses to have thorough knowledge in multiple adjusting techniques.

In addition to their initial training, Drs. Gimbert are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure and stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and research in the field. This ongoing training helps to ensure that Dr. Sean and Dr. Allison have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care for our patients, including those with knee pain or other extremity issues.

Read about our team HERE.

Anatomy of the knee

The knee joint is the largest joint in the body and is comprised of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap). The ends of these bones are covered in smooth cartilage, which allows for smooth movement of the joint. The knee is also surrounded by a number of ligaments that provide stability and support to the joint. These include:

1. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): runs diagonally through the center of the knee and prevents the tibia from sliding too far forward in relation to the femur.
2. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): runs diagonally through the center of the knee and prevents the tibia from sliding too far backward in relation to the femur.
3. Medial collateral ligament (MCL): runs along the inside of the knee and helps to prevent the knee from bending too far inward.
4. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): runs along the outside of the knee and helps to prevent the knee from bending too far outward.

The knee is also surrounded by a number of muscles, including the quadriceps (located on the front of the thigh), the hamstrings (located on the back of the thigh), and the calf muscles (located on the back of the lower leg). These muscles work together to move and stabilize the knee joint. A knee pain chiropractor is trained to improve the alignment of the knee, resulting in better muscle activation and stabilization.

Common conditions of the knee

The most common condition of the knee is osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage and underlying bone in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased function. It is often associated with aging and wear and tear on the joint, but can also be caused by injury, obesity, and other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), knee OA affects approximately 14% of adults aged 25 years and older in the United States, and is more common in women than men. Other common knee conditions include patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and bursitis.

The second most common condition of the knee is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is a condition that results from an imbalance of forces acting on the kneecap (patella) as it moves along the groove at the end of the thigh bone (femur). This can cause pain and stiffness in the front of the knee, especially with activities that involve bending the knee, such as squatting, climbing stairs, or running. PFPS is a common cause of knee pain, especially among athletes and young adults. Other common knee conditions include meniscus tears, ligament injuries (such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears), osteoarthritis, and bursitis.

The third most common condition of the knee is a meniscus tear. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). A meniscus tear can occur from a sudden twisting or rotating movement of the knee, or from wear and tear over time. Symptoms of a meniscus tear can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a popping sensation in the knee. Treatment options for meniscus tears depend on the severity of the tear and may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, or surgery. Other common knee conditions include ligament injuries (such as ACL tears), osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and bursitis.

How can chiropractic help

Chiropractic adjustments can reduce stress on the knees by improving joint alignment and function, which can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore normal joint movement. When the knee joint is misaligned or not functioning properly, it can place excessive stress on the joint and surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and decreased mobility.

Chiropractic adjustments work to correct these issues by applying a controlled force to the affected joint, which can help to improve its position and reduce any restrictions or limitations in movement. This can help to restore proper joint mechanics, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation to the affected area. In turn, this can help to relieve pain and improve overall function, which can lead to a reduction in stress on the knee joint.

How long will it take to heal after my knee pain chiropractor treatment?

The length of time it takes for a knee condition to heal can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the severity of the injury. In general, acute knee injuries such as sprains or strains may take several days to a few weeks to heal, while more severe injuries such as ligament tears or fractures may take several weeks to several months to fully heal. It is important to note that not all knee injuries can be managed with chiropractic care alone.  Our doctors work with skilled providers for the co-management of severe knee conditions.  But the good news is that our office has been able to help hundreds of patients who see our knee pain chiropractor. Please, don’t hesitate to call or text us if you have remaining questions after finishing this article, we’re here to help!

Chronic knee conditions such as osteoarthritis may not fully heal, but can be managed with periodic treatment to help reduce pain and improve function. The key is to determine whether knee pain is because of a problem in the knee, or from excessive weight or irritation due to a twisting in the pelvis or spine.  Chiropractors are highly trained in evaluating spinal, pelvic and knee biomechanics.

It’s important to note that healing time can also be influenced by a number of factors, such as age, overall health, and compliance with treatment recommendations. It’s important to work closely with the chiropractor to develop an individualized treatment plan and to follow all recommended guidelines for rest, rehabilitation, and other aspects of care to help promote healing and prevent further injury.

Costs and Effectiveness of knee pain chiropractor treatment

Currently, there is limited research on the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic interventions for knee pain compared to other treatments, but a few studies have examined this question for chiropractic in care in general and have reported interesting findings.

One study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2015 examined the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care compared to standard medical care for the treatment of low back and neck pain. The study found that chiropractic care was more cost-effective than standard medical care, with lower healthcare costs and higher patient satisfaction scores.
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2018 examined the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care for the treatment of low back pain in a military population. The study found that chiropractic care was more cost-effective than usual medical care for low back pain, with lower healthcare costs and better health outcomes.

While these studies did not specifically examine the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care for knee pain, they suggest that chiropractic care may be a cost-effective alternative to standard medical care for musculoskeletal pain.

Read more about cost effectiveness HERE.